Evan Barratt Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #73

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 6: Evan Barratt #17 of the U.S. National Under-18 Team skates against the Boston University Terriers during NCAA exhibition hockey at Agganis Arena on October 6, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. TheTerriers won 8-2. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)

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After scoring 40 points in 58 games with the Under 17 squad in 2015-16, Evan Barratt was one of the top forwards on the US National Team Development Program Under-18 team this season. He took a big step forward in his development, as he scored 18 goals and 56 points in 63 games. He also added a goal and six points in seven games in helping the Americans take home gold in the IIHF Under 18 World Championships. Barratt had flashed that kind of potential when he put up five points in five games at the 2015-16 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge.

Barratt is committed to play college hockey for the Penn State Nittany Lions next year. Should he change his mind and opt to go the CHL route, he was drafted by the Flint Firebirds in the 2015 OHL Draft. Barratt comes from a hockey family. His father, Jeffrey Barratt, was a goaltender in the QMJHL. He later went on to be a scout for the USHL’s Cedar Rapids Roughriders, and an assistant coach for the OHL’s Sarnia Sting.

Evan Barratt Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #73

Skating

Barratt’s skating is a bit of a work in progress. His first step is sluggish, and his stride is a bit awkward. This really takes away from his top end speed and acceleration. His agility and edge work are decent. He can quickly change directions, and get around a defender. Barratt also has good lower body strength. His balance is good, and he can fight through checks when carrying the puck and take it to the net. Overall though, this is the biggest concern about Barratt’s game. He could stand to work on his lengthening his stride and making it less choppy going forward.

Offensive Game

Barratt is a sniper. He has the hockey IQ to read the play and settle into a soft spot in the offensive zone, waiting for a pass from a teammate. Once he gets that pass, he can fire the puck. He has an outstanding wrist shot, and his release is NHL ready. He also has a very good one-timer. Most of his goals come from the slot, but he can also set up in the right face-off circle. Barratt can also create his own shot as well as shots for linemates. He has the soft hands to protect the puck, and the passing skill and vision to set up a teammate.

Barratt can also play a gritty game. He chases down loose pucks and gets involved in board battles. His motor is relentless, and helps him to manufacture something out of nothing. Barratt isn’t afraid to throw a hit, or to take a hit to make a play. His forechecking ability causes issues and creates turnovers. Despite his small size, Barratt plays with reckless abandon, to the point were he can sometimes get himself into pentalty trouble by being too aggressive.

Defensive Game

Barratt is advanced defensively. He brings the same relentless puck pursuit and gritty play in all three zones. This has made him a key penalty killer for the US NTDP, as well as someone trusted in all situations. His positioning is good, as is his anticipation, helping him to create turnovers.

Projection and Comparison

Barratt has almost all the skills to be a two-way, middle six forward in the NHL. However, the concerns about his skating are the main reason he is ranked as low as we have him. If he can work at that, and fix the issues, he could turn out to be a real steal. If not, there is likely a role for him on a checking line, due to his work ethic and smarts. While he spent some time at left wing this year, he played centre down the stretch and at the Under 18s. Barratt’s game is reminiscent of Sean Couturier of the Philadelphia Flyers, but this is a style comparison and not a talent based one.

Highlights

The following is a compilation of highlights, assembled from Youtube.

Check back tomorrow for the next prospect available on our draft board.